Picture of the Week

Thanks to all (young and older) who participated in our choir this year. What a blessing you were!

photo by Tira Young

This Weekend's Message: Advent: The Sequel

Acts 1:9-11

Whether it is a bearded man holding a sign, a passionate preacher on TV, or a Mayan calendar, people are constantly predicting the end of the world. And those who buy into these predictions often face embarrassing or outright disastrous consequences. Many of us who are Christians want to distance ourselves from those who cry out, “apocalypse now,” preferring a calmer Christianity, one more focused on a personal connection to God and one another.

Still, as much as it might make us uncomfortable, the Bible clearly and boldly predicts that the same Jesus who was born in a manger will return to this earth one day. It is a teaching that can make us feel awkward and uncomfortable. It is a teaching that sounds both unlikely and unnecessary to many people in our culture. We can try to ignore it or explain it away, but it is impossible to deny the clear Biblical teaching on the subject.

What does the Bible say about the return of Christ? What will happen? When will it happen? And why does it need to happen? As so often proves to be the case with Jesus, the news of his return is better news than we might think.

-Pastor Dan Franklin

Gifts from a Baby – A Love Story

There are just a few days left to find that perfect gift to be given out at Christmas. Giving the perfect gift – I’m pretty sure that’s probably what each of us works toward this time of year. We want to give a gift that the person really wants – a gift that would show them we really care – a gift that shows that we know them well enough to give them something that reflects our love for them.

This Sunday, Christmas morning, at 11 a.m., we will take a look at the fourth and final gift from a baby, the gift of love. Some believe that love is the greatest gift given to us by God. What does it mean that Jesus is the gift of love? Join us on Sunday as we take a deeper look at this gift from a baby.

On behalf of the elders and staff may you have a Christmas filled with the experience of God’s love for you.

Merry Christmas!

Gary Keith

Picture of the Week

photographer: Tira Young

November 2011 Mexico Orphanage Outreach. Bill Applebay making a new friend at Casa Hogar El Faro, Tijuana Mexico.  The LBF team installed a new playground structure and held a carnival with the orphanage kids.

This Weekend's Message: The Endless Pursuit

Luke 2:8-12

When my sons were babies, one of my greatest goals in life was to get them to smile. I would play with them, tickle them, make faces at them, pretend to fall down and hurt myself..pretty much anything. I loved to see those smiles light up those little faces. Anytime that it would come, I just wanted it to stay around forever (evidenced by all the pictures that we take during the early childhood years).

The thing I wanted for my sons is the same thing we all want for ourselves – we all want joy. We want to smile (and to mean it!). We do whatever it takes to get that joy. And when that joy comes, we want it to stay. But it doesn’t. Joy is elusive and when we get it, it is usually only for a moment. We seem to be on an endless pursuit for joy. And we’re still wondering how we get it, and how we get it to stick around.

Dan Franklin

This Weekend's Message: Peace on Earth? Where?

Jesus came to bring peace on earth, right? So where is it? Wars and conflicts have raged on since his appearance on earth 2,000 years ago. The earth is hardly a place of harmony. In the 20th century alone, 160 million people died in wars. And outside of the casualties of war on the large scale, we experience conflicts and hatred between political parties, neighbors, and even members of the same family. We seem to be a long way from experiencing the fulfillment of the angels’ announcement that this child born on Christmas day would bring “peace on earth.” So what happened? Did Jesus fail? Was the angel wrong? Where is this promised peace on earth?

Dan Franklin

Picture of the Week

 

Tears of joy and a heartfelt embrace after being baptized this past Sunday!

This Weekend's Message: Better Days

Last week I went running (a big mistake) on the Bridle Path (a bigger mistake). I started my run from the top of Euclid, so when I turned around to head back up, the run got painfully difficult. All I wanted was to be finished and to experience some relief. The hill seemed endless though, and I wondered if I would ever get to the top. Then I saw a beautiful rectangular-green sight. It was the sign for 24th Street. That sign was hope. Hope for relief from pain and exhaustion. Hope for a cold glass of water and a sofa. Hope that better days were coming soon.

My embarrassing athleticism aside, we have all experienced seasons that are dark and draining. We just can’t wait for them to end. We feel tired and hurt and disillusioned, and we long for relief. We long for better days. But how do we know better days are coming? What makes that a realistic hope?

Dan Franklin

This Weekend's Message: Where are the Other 9?

Where are the Other 9?
Luke 17:11-19

I saw a commercial the other day for new Citibank credit card that made me laugh. It involved two ladies in a grocery store. The one lady puts her hand on the stomach of the other and asks when the baby is due. The woman looks at her and says, “I’m not pregnant.” Not knowing what to say next, the woman just says, “Thank you.” With this simple reply, the offended woman forgets the insulting words that were just uttered and the two ladies embrace. Citibank then flashes their slogan across the screen that states, “It’s amazing what a simple thank you can do.”

I thought, how true! It is amazing what a simple thank you can do. How many of you have been encouraged by receiving a thank you note from someone you have helped along the way? When that happens to me it makes my day. It can change my attitude for the better in an instant. How about you?

Even though by Sunday, Thanksgiving Day will be over, it is not too late to talk about being thankful. We’re going to do that by looking at a story found in Luke. If you have the time, read it and then together we can answer the question Jesus asked, “What about the other 9?”
Gary Keith

Operation Christmas Child SUCCESS!

 
OCC Shoe Boxes get shipped around the world to kids who would otherwise receive nothing! Each box contains toys, candies, clothes... but most importantly, A kid-appropriate devotional that shares the Gospel Message.

This year, we had 40 volunteers that served the LBF OCC Center and greeted our community with a smile when they were dropping off boxes. 

In total, we collected and shipped 14,000 shoe boxes.

2011 Totals-

LBF Donated Total:                                      717
Upland Collection Center Total:                2,077
Relay Center Total:                                  11,206
Grand Total for Collection Network:        14,000  

Last Year *2010 Totals-

LBF Total:                                                    559
Upland Collection Center Total:               3,822
Relay Center Total:                                 16,038
Grand Total for Collection Network:        20,419

LBF donated boxes was up this year by 158. That's a 28% increase!

Note that our numbers were 6,419 shoeboxes less than in 2010.  There was a reorganization of Relay Centers and many of our local churches went to Relay Centers closer to them.i.e. Glendora.

As a side note, since 2006 when we first operated a Collection Center from the Overholt garage and up to and including this year, the LBF church property has facilitated the collection of 80,090 shoeboxes which is equivalent to 8 trailers full of packed cartons of shoeboxes. 

WOW! I am grateful to be part of our church where we have the logistics, the space and many willing servants to help facilitate a worldwide missions project that fulfils God's command of Matthew 28.  

Thanks from both Erik Jacobsen and I for allowing this project to proceed year after year.

Jeff and Robin Crawford 

This Weekend's Message: Bragging Rights

One of my college friends used to joke, “I may be small, but I’m also slow.” It would make us laugh because those are things that no one brags about. We brag about being strong and talented and rich and smart. We brag (whether aloud or just in our own heads) about things that will make us look impressive to other people and will make them pay attention to us.

In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul decides to brag, but his bragging feels much different than ours. He leads us down a surprising path, a path that leads to the ultimate bragging rights.

Dan Franklin

This Weekend's Message: Stinks to Be You!

A stowaway on the Titanic. A groundskeeper at Woodstock. A dog wandering through Jurassic Park. What do all of these have in common? You wouldn’t want to be any of them. And let’s face it, there are certain people that you would rather not be. Maybe it is because of a financial difficulty, or a health problem, or a personality quirk. We all imagine that certain people would be better off if they were more like us. The question is, how does the gospel of Jesus drive our response to people who we would rather not be?

Dan Franklin

This Weekend's Message: Downward Mobility

When I wake up, I think about one person: Me! I think about my tired body. I think ahead to the events of my day. I think about what I will eat for my breakfast. And if I do think about other people, it is usually only in relationship to how they might effect me. Then, throughout the day, my instinct is to make every decision, small or big, on the basis of whether or not it will benefit me. I tend to place myself securely on the throne of the little Kingdom of Dan Franklin.

Humility is a major threat to this little set-up of mine. It brings up all kinds of questions: Humility?! God wants me to think that I am not all that important or impressive, and to look out for the needs of other people? Why does God so treasure a quality that is such a threat to my way of life? And, most importantly, if I really am going to walk humbly, what needs to change about my perspective?

Dan Franklin

This Weekend's Message: Seeing With God Eyes

Seeing with God Eyes
Mark 2:13-17

How should we see the people around us? If you’re like me, many times as I’m out and about and I see people around me, I make quick judgments. Maybe it’s their body piercings, maybe it’s the way they are dressed, or maybe it’s a wild hair style or exotic hair color. Whatever it is that I see, I’m quick to make a judgment about them and my judgment usually is known by only me. I would never share it with anyone (except maybe my wife)!

But then there’s that time when one of those people comes along my path and I actually have a chance to talk with them, hear their voice, get a sense in a different way about the kind of person they are, and quickly my first impression changes. I see them differently. How about you? How do you see people?

This week as we continue with our Love in Action series, we are learning about what it means to love mercy. And part of loving mercy is learning to see people the way God sees people. This Sunday we will look at an example from the life of Jesus as we learn to see people with "God eyes." It’s great timing as the next day we’ll be hosting our annual Harvest Party, inviting our community to come and get to know us as we get to know them.

By the way, if you haven’t volunteered yet, it’s not too late. Be sure to sign up on Sunday – you’ll have a blast and who knows, you may even have the chance to put love into action. I know I’m planning to look for ways to put love in action that night.
Gary Keith

This Weekend's Message: LOVE Mercy

I remember as a kid playing the game "mercy" – a game where you interlock your fingers with another person, palms pressed together. On "go" each person tries to bend the other person's fingers back until one cries "MERCY!" At that point it is up to the person in control to either grant mercy and release them from their power...or not.

In life, we are faced with this opportunity all the time. Sometimes it is easy to show mercy and not give someone what they deserve, but other times it proves difficult. This trait of being merciful is something that God demands as evidence of authentic faith.

This weekend as we continue our "Love In Action" series, we will take a look at what it means to LOVE mercy, how it applies to our life, and why it is so important.

See ya Sunday!

Jeff Taylor

This Weekend's Message: Family Resemblance

Family Resemblance
Matthew 5:43-48

Who do you look like – your mother or your father? Who do people say you look like? And when they tell you who you look like, are you happy or are you wishing you just didn’t look like that person? I think we all have some sort of family resemblance. I mean we have to, right? Each of us carries certain characteristics from our parents, but those resemblances go beyond our looks. We also have a family resemblance when it comes to our personalities, our emotions, and our likes and dislikes.

This week as we continue to look at what it means to put love in action by doing justly, we are going to be asked to have a family resemblance with our Heavenly Father. Last week Dan Franklin talked about the internal standard set by Jesus in letting go of our self-protectiveness. This week we are going to an even more challenging level of living in the Kingdom of God – one that some say is impossible. Come this week and let’s learn together.

Gary Keith

This Weekend's Message: Doing Justly: Trading Eyes and Teeth

Trading Eyes and Teeth

            It is amazing how quickly children learn the word, “Mine.” Most parents aren’t eager to pass that word along, but kids pick it up, nonetheless. And years later, as adults, most of us just as quickly shout “Mine!” if we need to protect what is ours. We cling to what is ours, whether it is our possessions, or our status, or our bank account. Rarely do we find ourselves as passionate as we become when someone threatens to take something that belongs to us. We become empowered to fight, argue, go to court, and cut off relationships.

            In Matthew 5:38-42 Jesus address this instinct to protect what belongs to us. And in the passage Jesus’ words are surprising in two ways. First of all, he surprises us because he doesn’t validate these seemingly natural desires to protect ourselves. Second of all, he surprises us because he doesn’t simply tell us to stuff our selfish desires so that we can be kind to others. His response is not only surprising, but it is liberating.

Dan Franklin

Teaching Pastor

Message Reflection - Gary Keith

Doing Justly – what does that look like? On Sunday I covered a familiar story that Jesus told called the Parable of the Good Samaritan. As we are learning what it means to do justly we saw that Jesus taught this is not about earning our salvation it is about responding to the love he has given us by putting our love for him into action.

We also learned that doing justly is about the need not the person that it starts with a feeling in our gut, that we get personally involved and that it will cost us something.  Think about your own life and the times you have act justly – what was that like? Did you have to apply these principles that Jesus taught? What was the result? I’d love to hear your stories of doing justly – let’s learn and experience life together!!

-Pastor Gary

This Weekend's Message: Doing Justly: No Distinctions Allowed

Doing Justly: No Distinctions Allowed
Luke 10:25-37
I love to watch people. It’s fun for me when I’m out with Miriam and we are walking Victoria Gardens to observe people. I like to see what people are wearing, who they are with and wonder what their life is about. What is their story? What are their values? What experiences have they had that makes them the people they are today. Of course all of this is pure speculation but the down side is that it can cause me to be judgmental. They never know it but in my mind I’ve made distinctions. And these distinctions are filtered through my own life and beliefs and experiences.

I think many of us, without even thinking, make distinctions when it comes to people. I guess the question we need to answer is whether this is a good thing for those who call themselves Christians. If in the process of making distinctions with people, will that cause us to act differently toward them? This week as we continue our series called “Love in Action” we will look at the words of Jesus and see what he says about what it means to love others by doing justly and how making distinctions can hinder what God calls us to do. I hope to see you Sunday.

Pastor Gary

This Weekend's Message:

What Does God Really Want?
Micah 6:6-8

This week starts a new nine-week series called “Love in Action.” Usually when we hear the word love thoughts of romance or thoughts of a good friend and companion who is always there come to mind. Or maybe it’s a movie that you think of when you think of love. I still remember that famous line in a movie called “Love Story.” Ryan O’Neal said to the love of his life, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” I remember hearing people in the theatre say, “Aw, that is so right” when that line hit the movie screen. But I think today we all know that love means just the opposite.

With all the ideas about love out there what is love really? God has much to say about love and you might be surprised to know that it involves action. What does it mean to put love into action? Come this week as we begin to find out.

Pastor Gary

This Weekend's Message Sept 11th

Where were you when you heard the news of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001? Depending on your age you may have been a teenager or a young adult but most likely you will not forget the circumstances surrounding that day in your life. As we think about that Tuesday morning 10 years ago we are reminded not only of the tragedy but also of the actions of hundreds of our countrymen. I will never forget the New York Firefighters who rushed into those burning buildings – the heroes who in the course of their duty to save life lost their own.

Now ten years later the rubble has been cleared away, the ashes washed clean by rain; but as a people we have been changed forever. How have we changed and what do we need to remember 10 years later. This Sunday we will explore three things that we must never forget in light of 9/11. 

We hope you will join us this weekend for a special service remembering September 11th.

This Weekend's Message Sept 4th 2011

 

As the sun rises, temperatures on the volcanic rock can reach a scorching 135 degrees. From the moment the contestants exit the water after their 2.4 mile open water swim they will be battling some of the most extreme conditions and pushing their bodies to the limit as they cycle 112 miles and then finish their day off with a marathon run.

Why do they do this? For some it is the thrill of competition. For others it is simply to see if they can. But for the most elite it is to be crowned Ironman Champion.

For most of us running around the block, or maybe a local 5k is what we consider really pushing ourselves. But life, as most know, is an endurance race where there will be trials and injury, joys and triumphs. How are you training for it? Are you striving to be an Ironman, or hoping that you will never be tested?

This weekend we are going to look at what it takes to be a Spiritual Ironman, and why it is so important to start training now!!

See Ya Sunday,
Jeff 

Heart Condition
Proverbs 4:20-27
If I asked you to take your finger and point to yourself, where would you point? Most of us, I think, would not point to our heads. That’s interesting isn’t it? In spite of the great importance of good thinking, we instinctively know that what is most essential about us is not our brain. I’ve never heard anyone say to the person they love: “I give you all of my brain.” But I’ve also never heard someone say, “I dedicate my full bladder to you for the rest of my life’ or “I pledge to you my lungs.” In fact there is only one body part that we refer to when we talk of love or dedication or devotion; and that body part is the heart. When we talk about that aspect of ourselves that is most central to whom we are and what we want to bring to life, we speak of the heart. 

In saying this, of course, we don’t mean our myocardial muscle. No, in the Bible the heart is the center of the person, the control center of life. And the condition of that heart directs and dictates the kind of life we will live. What is the condition of your “heart?” This week we are going to look at some essentials to keep the condition of our hearts (not the muscle) healthy.

I hope to see you Sunday!
Gary Keith, Lead Pastor

Weekend's Message Reflection - Matt Sasso, Pastor of Student Ministries

This weekend we hope that you were encouraged and challenged as we looked at what it means to consider our lives for God's mission. I believe a commitment to God’s mission starts in our hearts, and is seen in the way that we live our lives in response to His mission.

As we look at scripture it is clear that people matter to God. He sent Jesus, to die on the cross to pay the penalty we never could pay. We’re saved by grace, through faith. We are adopted into his family and God becomes the perfect Father who loves us completely and unconditionally. In addition we get to do great things for God’s kingdom. Not only are we saved from the despair of the world; we are saved to make a difference at our schools, in our families, and with our friends. 

Here are some things to think about.

Tips for telling your story:

• Commit to praying and serving before you share your story with people.
• When talking to someone be a good listener.
• Share what it is that you love about being a Christian. Talk about the hope you have in Jesus.
• When you finish sharing, give your that person a chance to respond to what you shared.
• Keep it simple, keep it real, and be clear!

 Questions to that you might be asked:

• What does it mean to be a Christian?
• How do you know if someone is a Christian?
• How do you know what you believe is true?
• How can you say that Christianity is right and all the other religions are wrong?
• How do you know that God really exists?

I hope that this helps and that God gives you amazing opportunities to change someone’s life forever!

God Bless,

Matt Sasso

This Weekend's Message: Chasing Your Tail?

Chasing Your Tail?
Ecclesiastes 11:1-10

Have you ever seen a dog chasing its tail around and around? I heard about a guy whose dog chased its tail constantly. One day the neighbor came over and asked, "Where's that dog of yours that always chases its tail?" The man replied, "Well, he finally caught it, then fell over the embankment, and got hit by a car." Tragic, huh? The only thing sadder than a dog chasing its tail is a person chasing their tail.

Question: What are you chasing? Do you feel like your life is just going around and around? Have you ever caught the thing you were chasing, only to be disappointed, even hurt by it? Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon describes life under the sun in terms of people chasing their tails. This weekend we are going to cut to the chase and learn how to avoid chasing our tails in "The Game of Life."

Spoiler alert: We are going to look deep inside Solomon's word picture of "life under the sun" in order to discover four mirages that people tend to chase.

Looking Forward,
Pastor Jim Botts

Membership Matters

By Gary Keith, Lead Pastor


I was looking over the records for the first six months of 2011 and noticed something very encouraging – we added 20 new members to our church. While we have several thousand people who attend our church, these 20 people took the step to understand our church mission and vision and in essence say, “I want to commit myself to that. I want to be part of that work of God.” I can still remember the time Miriam and I made the decision to become members of this church.

We consider membership at LBF both a wonderful commitment and a great privilege. As we prepare to return to life without vacations and with kids back in school, I thought it would be a good time to remind everyone of the value and importance of membership.

Membership at LBF starts with being a Christian. Every member of LBF has made a clear profession of faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Beyond that, people who are members are encouraged to live out that membership in six different areas:

1. Members build unity in the church by encouraging others, avoiding gossip and resolving conflict in a biblical way. This is so important because as representatives of Jesus in this community, people are looking at us and asking what a church is all about and how is it modeling the life of Jesus.
(Ephesians 4:3, Matthew 18:15-17)

2. Members financially support the ministry of the church. Our teaching on giving comes right out of 2 Corinthians 8, where each of the members first gave themselves to the Lord and then did what the Lord asked of them. Giving is an essential part of our worship to the Lord. If you haven’t gone before the Lord recently and asked what you should give to this church, let me encourage you to do so and then just do what God says.

3. Members participate in Sunday services. The gathering of the church family at our worship services is an essential component for spiritual growth. And while we don’t take attendance to see who is coming, let me encourage all of us to come often and join with the church family in experiencing all that God has for you. (Hebrews 10:25)

4. Members participate in small groups. With a church our size, the weekend services provide one type of spiritual growth opportunity, but they in no way provide a total plan for growing spiritually. We believe that gathering together in weekly small groups is essential for spiritual growth. If you’re not in one, I encourage you to find one soon and be faithful to it. (See a complete listing of Home Groups at lbfchurch.com/homegroups) (Acts 2:46-47)

5. Members serve according to their gifts and talents. One of the most memorable statements of Jesus is found in Matthew 20:28. In this passage Jesus says that He did not come to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. As followers of Jesus we are to follow His example. God has gifted you; use that gift to serve as Jesus served.

6. Members reach out to others by sharing Christ and helping in practical ways. God has chosen to use people to get His message of Jesus and the salvation He offers out to others. Reaching out to others is not just about being a member of this church, it is also about being a Christian. God loves people and they matter to Him. We have the eternal message that will make an eternal difference – let’s share it!

Okay, so that’s what being a member of LBF is all about. I know we all enjoy the casual atmosphere and fun activities here at LBF, and those things are an important part of being a member, but as we start this new school year let me ask you to live out your membership by raising the bar of participation. And if you’re not a member, come to the next Meet LBF (see lbfchurch.com/meetlbf for details) and find out what you’ve been missing.

You’ll be glad you did!

Reflections: July 24, 2011

This weekend's "Reflection" by Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration

Live Like You Were Dyin’

Solomon’s message to us in response to the inevitability of a physical death is to embrace life. His message, though seemingly depressing, is a hopeful one for a number of reasons. We know God has us in His loving hands. We know that we have hope in Him. We have the ability – knowing that our death is one day coming – to live vicariously for Jesus. We can celebrate the good gifts our Creator has given to us. He mentions gifts of food, drink, friendships, celebrations, marital relationships, and an honest day’s work. It’s as if Solomon is saying, “Redeem the routines, make the ordinary extraordinary, seize the day, live like you were dyin’!” And do this because life is so short – just a blip on the screen, really – and its end can come at any moment.

Thankfully, we have a hope in Jesus and in the life He gives us today and in all eternity. But until then, may we live life to the fullest and allow that to be our worship to God.

This Weekend's Message: Live Like You Were Dyin'

Live Like You Were Dyin'
Ecclesiastes 9:1-12

Is it me or does it seem like the older you get the faster time goes? When I was a kid, the summer lasted forever. It was like an entire age in itself. Today, summer comes and goes and I barely have a chance to notice. The reality is our lives are short and death is inevitable. I know…super encouraging, huh? You’re thinking, 'Well, I’m not coming this Sunday to hear what that’s all about…'

Let me encourage you, even though Solomon is challenging us to consider the inevitable end of our life, he has a hopeful message. It’s a “carpe diem” message, which is Latin for “seize the day.” It’s the type of message that makes you want to give in to your kid’s wishes and read one more book at bedtime. It’s a message that will encourage you to gather with friends and family and say nice things about each other. It points to the reality that while we’re living, we have a responsibility to redeem the routines of our lives and through that worship God.

I hope to see you Sunday!

Russ Parker, Pastor of Administration

This Weekend's Message: Living Under Authority

Living Under Authority
Ecclesiastes 8:1-17

I can still remember just like it was yesterday one of my first encounters with an authority other than my parents. I was in junior high and it was during a P.E. class. I can’t remember what I did to deserve it, but I was told to bend over, grab my ankles, and get ready for a swat. When that swat came it hurt worse than anything I had ever felt before. I think it nearly knocked me over, but it was exactly what I needed to learn an important lesson about living under authority. I'm pretty sure they don't swat students anymore, but as I look back on that experience it was a good one that helped me learn to live under authority.

How are you with living under authority? Does it come easy, no problem? Or do you have a hard time submitting to those in authority over you? This week Solomon has some things for us to consider when it comes to living under authority, as well as dealing with the injustices in “The Game of Life.” Hope to see you this week.

By the way, don’t forget to go out to Chick-fil-A at The Colonies tonight and support our Kenya Team as you enjoy a dinner out!

Pastor Gary

This Weekend's Message: Walking the Line

Have you ever walked on a balance beam? Whether you have or not, I can tell you that it is one of the more stressful things in life. Even though the fall would not be great, there is still this anxiety that overwhelms you as you take steps across that skinny beam, fighting to keep your balance.

Many people, some even call themselves Christians, choose to live their lives on that beam in between truly following Christ and doing whatever they (and the world) feel like doing. Not only is this something that God has some pretty strong words about, it will also hold us back from the promise of life that those who commit themselves to Christ can experience. Instead of peace, there is the constant tension of keeping that balance. Instead of hope, there is anxiety knowing that living on the edge this way is not pleasing to God and not fulfilling for us. Yet so many people choose this kind of life.

Sometime before this weekend, read chapter 7 in Ecclesiastes and come ready to be challenged to get off the line and commit!

See ya Sunday,
Jeff

This Weekend's Message: Choosing the Way We Live

Choosing the Way We Live
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
It is impossible to determine for sure, but most agree that we literally make thousands of choices everyday. These choices can range from the simple everyday things, like which can of tomato soup do I buy, to how I respond to that temptation that is right in front of me. Some choices are not life-changing, while others can affect our lives forever, but in either case it is true that the choices we make everyday, big or small, have a lasting impact on our lives. That makes it so very important to know how to make choices that bring us health and wholeness and happiness.
How do you go about making the thousands of choices you face everyday? Do you have some guidelines for success? Do you just “shoot from the hip?” How does your knowledge of the Bible come into play here? Do you ever ask other people for advice?
This week in our study of Ecclesiastes, Solomon gives us some answers to the question he left us with at the end of chapter 6: How can we live well during our few and passing days on this earth? This week we’ll learn six important choices we can make that will help us find success in life. 
I can’t wait! Hope to see you Sunday!
Gary Keith

This Weekend's Message: Enjoy-Engage-Entrust

A recent article was just published revealing the five best toys (play things) of all time.

1. A stick
2. Box
3. String
4. Cardboard Tube
5. Dirt

Remember when any one of these were all you needed to really enjoy yourself? When did life get so much more complicated? When did we lose the ability to be satisfied with anything less than the best, most modern, high tech stuff out there? Now don't get me wrong, I love all my iStuff just as much as anyone, but am I able to be content and enjoy anything less if that is what God has for me?

This weekend we are going to look at what Solomon calls a "sickening tragedy" in relation to a person's inability to enjoy the blessings of God.

So go read Ecclesiastes 6. You might even try reading it through a cardboard tube while sitting on a box in the dirt using a stick to help you keep your place and putting a string in your Bible to mark your spot until Sunday. :)

See ya Sunday!
Jeff

Reflections: June 19, 2011

This week's "Reflection" by Gary Keith, Lead Pastor

Satisfaction Sold Separately
Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
Sometimes it seems the way Christians talk about the Bible and money, you can feel like it is wrong to have lots of money. There can be this attitude that being wealthy and being a Christian is an oxymoron – that the two do not go together. This week as I looked at verse 19 of chapter five, Solomon seems to make it clear that being wealthy can be a good thing. In fact, he says people should enjoy their wealth. That caught me off guard a bit.
The problem with money comes when we make it our God, when we start pursuing it above anything else, or when we start devoting our entire life to getting more of it. Apart from that, being wealthy is a good thing. For the wealthy person who has the right perspective and uses that wealth to honor God, money can be a good thing. I guess what Solomon is saying is that it is not so much how much you have, but the focus of your life – is it God or money? What do you think? Can being wealthy be a good thing in the eyes of God?

This Weekend's Message: Satisfaction Sold Separately

Satisfaction Sold Separately

Ecclesiastes 5:8-20


The Game of Life – A big player for all of us in the game of life is money. We need it to live. We pursue it so that we can accumulate as much of it as possible. We think it brings security to our life. We think it will give us what we need to have a happy life. We never quite have enough of it. We take some of it and try to use it to get more of it. We spend it on the necessities of life. We spend it on things we really don’t need but want. We give some of it away. We fight over how to spend it with our spouses. We hurt others in the pursuit of it. We use it to accomplish good.


I could go on, but I think you get the idea that money is a BIG part of our lives. Solomon knew that as well and has some important cautions for us to consider as we think about money – because when it comes to money “Satisfaction is Sold Separately!”


Gary Keith

Reflections: June 12, 2011

This week's "Reflection" by Jeff Taylor, Pastor of Teaching & Worship

It is so easy to make promises, yet often so hard to follow through. It can be so tempting to believe that we can make all sorts of outlandish promises to God, believing that somehow He does not know the true intent of our heart. Religiosity and rituals can often look like enough to convince God and others that our relationship with God is authentic, but the honesty of our heart reveals it is just a show. Our intentions may be good in the moment - especially moments of desperation - but I am challenged to consider what my rash promises reveal about my faith in God. If I feel I need to do something extreme so that God will do what I want Him to, what does that say about my trust that God is a good God and will do whatever is needed to bring about life and wholeness in a situation? My prayer for my life, and for yours, is that we would be slow to speak, quick to listen, and always open to inviting the Holy Spirit into our lives and situations, allowing Him to do the work necessary for us to find contentment in what we have, and see that He has an eternal plan that we get to have a part in.

This week, take some time to get quiet before God. Silence is difficult for most people, but God has proven over and over again to be faithful to reveal Himself top those who will wait on Him. He is the source of our strength. He is our eternal hope. He is the author of peace that goes beyond our understanding. He is the beginning and the end, and has invited us into a relationship with Him. Let’s do less talking, and more listening for His voice and guidance in our lives.

Top 10 Reasons to Attend PandaMania VBS This Summer

By Dale Palmer, Director of His Kids Children’s Ministries
(List compiled by our Facebook fans)


10. It answers the “I’m bored” problem.

9. Something to look forward to for five evenings.

8. Great music!

7. Hands-on, wild Bible adventures.

6. Make new friends/see old friends.

5. A new missions project to be involved in.

4. You too can be a star in our Spotlight Drama.

3. Enjoy the crazy and zaney adventures of Chadder.

2. Bamboo Blast Games.

1. You get to spend time learning about our Amazing God!

Don’t forget, parents, grandparents, and friends are invited to join us each evening at 8:30 p.m. when we have the Rowdy Wrap-Up – a daily celebration of God’s love!

Mark these dates on your calendar: Monday, June 27-Friday, July 1. The fun begins each evening at 6 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m. There is no charge for VBS. Registration forms are available by calling the church office @ 981-4848, ext. 242 or you can register directly online at lbfchurch.com/vbs. Preregistration ends Friday, June 15. Registration will be taken each night of VBS as well to accommodate new friends. 

This Weekend's Message: Talk is Cheap

"God, if you will just _________, I promise I will ____________!" Ever made a statement like this? Have you ever promised God something with the hope of getting Him to work something for your favor? Can God be manipulated this way? And what if you can't/don't follow through with our promise? Does God just let it go?

This weekend we jump into chapter 5 of Ecclesiastes where we will look at the caution of Solomon about empty promises and meaningless vows to God. Take a few minutes and read Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, and begin considering what God wants to speak to us this weekend.

See ya Sunday,
Jeff